Quick Tip: Clean Up Your Coffee

Coffee is a staple in many lives, and is actually quite healthy. It has been shown that the average coffee drinker will live 5 years longer than those who don’t drink it. Part of that has to do with the fact that for many people, it’s the only significant source of antioxidants they will get all day.

However, to reap the benefits, you have to do it right. Here are 3 common mistakes people make and how to fix them:

1) Not buying organic. Fixing this one is easy – buy organic. Coffee and butter are at the top of the list of foods that should always be purchased organic, because they are imported from third world countries where there are very few agricultural regulations.

2) Adding milk. Very few people are genetically adapted to consuming lactose, and that includes the milk or half and half added to coffee. A better option is using heavy cream (35% or higher), which is milkfat but no sugar, and therefore lactose-free. It also helps the caffeine digest more slowly and gives a longer source of energy.

3. Using sugar or artificial sweeteners.  Pure sugar should be avoided, especially for those who are insulin-resistant or overweight.  Artificial sweeteners are not much better, as there is scientific evidence that shows they can increase carb cravings and stimulate insulin resistance much in the same way that pure sugar can.  While I’ve read mixed reports on sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Equal) and saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low) are definite no-nos.  I prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid them all together, and instead use other sweeteners like honey, cinnamon or nutmeg.